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Our Project
For our 20% project, we decided to help our favorite translator from our Haiti trip. His name is Schneider and he is currently living in the capitol of Haiti, Port-Au-Prince. Schneider and his family are living on a concrete platform with just a tarp covering them. They have nothing but a bucket to use for the bathroom as well. For our project, we are hoping to raise $3,000 to pay to have a shelter built for him and his family. This project means so much to us and we hope it comes out successful!
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| Schneider |
Does he know what your plans are?
ReplyDeleteNo! It is a complete surprise.
DeleteHey guys! So impressed with all you have accomplished already. I thought it had to be a test when I read your above comment, and that maybe you were just trying out an example of an update you might provide on this blog later on in the project...then I clicked the link and saw you’d already raised that much! Really impressive stuff.
ReplyDeleteI should probably introduce myself- before going any further! My name is Andy Dunscombe. I had the pleasure of calling Mrs. Krieger my English teacher from my sophomore year until I graduated in 2007, and have had the pleasure of calling her a friend since then. Since graduating college in 2011 I have worked in the special needs field, mostly managing group home residences for people living with Autism. That line of work has had me working often with not-for-profit and charitable organizations, which is one of the reasons I am so excited to be involved.
If you guys want to know any more about my background or time at Union-Endicott, feel free to ask! I have to thank both Mrs. Krieger and both of you, for having me on board. I’m happy to be here.
I have some questions about you guys and your inspiration, as well as the project! For lack of a better way to organize them I guess I’ll just list them:
I’m interested in what inspired you. Schneider must be a great person for you two to do something so thoughtful for him. What was the time you spent with him like? What brought you to Haiti?
I’d suspect you guys have fundraising experience with the impressive progress you’ve made already, but maybe it came naturally? How are you reaching out to people to generate interest? (Because it certainly seems like it’s working!)
Finally I was curious as to whether you have a plan for how you’ll put the money you raise to work once you meet your goals.
As far as how I’d like to spend our time conversing...you guys are the experts! I plan on observing and helping in any way I can, but really I am just excited to see what you guys can do.
Have either of you worked at all with the SUNY Broome Health For Haiti program? There is a reason I’m asking, but it will require a little more follow up. For now I was just wondering if you guys were familiar with them at all.
Hopefully that’s enough to get a conversation going! Also forgive me, I don’t want it to seem like I’m just hopping onto the scene and grilling you on something you’ve already spent a lot of time and energy on.
I’m just excited to hear more about the project!
I’m always here if you’d like to reach out. I’m not sure if Blogspot will let you see my email- in case you need it, it’s adunscombe@gmail.com.
...Interestingly enough, I set up that email account in Mrs. Krieger’s communication class. Funny how the world works, huh? :)
Keep doing what you’re doing!
-Andy
Hi Andy!
DeleteShea and I are so excited you wrote us a message and that we learned more about you! To answer your questions:
First, my mom is a professor at SUNY Broome and she also created and is in charge of the Health For Haiti program! So, that is the initial reason I started going. My mom goes twice a year and I usually join her on the summer trip for a week. This past summer, Shea decided to come with me because she was inspired by my stories. We had such a great time! But, during the trip, Shea and I became very close with our translator Schneider. He does so much for us beyond translate.. he is our good friend and he protects us each day. When we found out he did not have a home, we were so heartbroken and we finally figured out a way to help with this project! We are so happy and shocked at all the money we have raised! We both have no experience with fundraising but, we have just been posting on our instagrams and twitters and trying to spread the word as much as possible. When we get the money, we have to set up the withdrawal from our go fund me and we will send the money to Haiti to purchase all the materials. It is much easier to do that than to ship everything there. Plus, we are helping the economy! We are really excited that you are working with us! Thank you!
I thought I responded properly but my comment didn't show up...forgive me if you get two of these!
ReplyDeleteI should have guessed there was a connection! I mentioned this project to my Dad a short while ago and he asked if I had heard of Health for Haiti. He is the director at the GFJ Memorial Library and I guess he has met your mom in the past. I was going to suggest the program for tips on getting the money where it needs to go, where to buy things, where to build, etc...but surprise! You've not only heard of it, it was the main reason you initially went to Haiti. How funny!
What were some of the specific adventures you've been on or projects you've worked on in your time there? Additionally, specifically for Shea...what stories did Ally tell you that inspired you to join her? I feel like that connection- that inspired Shea to get into the mix after having heard your stories, Ally...might be a good angle to share with those who read the Go Fund Me. If Shea was inspired to travel all the way to Haiti based on those stories...surely they can inspire people to part with a few bucks for a great cause, right? :)
Just a thought!
It's a great thought to consider the economy in where you purchase the materials...and you're right, I'm sure that's easier than shipping everything. Speaking of the economy, will local residents be working the construction at all? Volunteers?
I know the plan was to keep things a surprise, so I wasn't sure how open you can afford to be about it...or if there is labor in that particular area interested in that type of work (don't look, my lack of knowledge about Haiti is showing!) But creating a few work opportunities would just be another nice indirect benefit to your generosity beyond what it does for Schneider and his family. I could see having volunteers working the build just as beneficial, it might be easier to organize and of course, you don't have to pay volunteers. You two know way more about this than me so forgive me if my questions seem basic.
One other question- did you guys have a site picked out to be Schneider's new home? Or do he and his family have property you will build on? Was just curious!
Anyway, I just wanted to pop in and see how things were going! With your guys permission I'd be happy to share your project on my social media outlets as well. An expanded audience can't hurt, right?
Enjoy the four day week, guys!
-Andy
Hi Andy! What a small world that your dad knows Ally's mom! Ally told me many stories about the fun activities she did with the kids, the kind people and all the fun she had. She told me all the people were so happy even though they have nothing. I was so inspired and had to take up on this awesome experience.
DeleteAs of the house, volunteers or workers will be working on the house and maybe even Schnieder. Unfortunately, we will not be able to keep it a surprise because we want to start the building process as soon as possible. Schieders house is currently half built. Last year they were able to fund to have a portion of the house built and we raised the rest. Schnieder picked out the site when the project had just begun in the mountains.
Also, we would love to have you share our project! We are still accepting donations (even though we raised it all!!). Every penny will go to use on the project in some sort of way. Thank you for writing to us!
Hello! This is beyond impressive to me! Does he have any idea that you are doing this for him? If not I am very sure that he will be very thankful for all that you are doing for him! Props to you! I went through your whole blog and read on, its impressive and a huge accomplishment for raising that much money from the gofund me page, I'm sure you are very proud of that! Awesome. How long do you visit there for? Goodluck to you!
ReplyDeleteHello! Schnieder has no idea that we are doing this for him. We plan on surprising him in July when we will go back to Haiti for a week. Thank you for taking the time to check out our blog and we hope you continue to follow us on the rest of our journey!
DeleteI love this idea! I can't wait to hear about your trip this summer and see pictures of the house and kids.
ReplyDelete